Life on Mars!

Perspective

Well, water was found on Mars,
actually. But with water present can life be
far behind?

High-resolution images from the Mars
Reconnaissance Orbiter have given scientists
the first indirect evidence that water
flows on Mars today. We’re not talking
about rivers here, but most likely small traces of water that show up on the Martian
surface seasonally.

We have strong indicators that water was
once abundant on Mars’ surface. In fact,
many planetary scientists, including creationists,
agree that Mars may have had an
ocean (see “Mars—The Other Blue Planet?”
Answers, April–June 2015). So it’s not surprising that some water would show up
on the surface today, especially in a young
solar system, where the planet has not had
billions of years to lose every drop of water.

Of course, the main reason water on Mars
excites evolutionary researchers is that water
is considered necessary for life. So water
is the first step to possibly discovering that
we are not alone in the universe. Flowing
water does not, however, mean life. Even
the “simplest” life is breathtakingly complex.
Life cannot evolve from nonlife—with
or without water.

We are not alone in the universe, but we
don’t need to find life on Mars to know
that. The Creator says He is clearly seen in
His creation, right here on Earth (Romans 1:20). Each new discovery gives further
insight into His character and reminds
us that life could only come from Him,
not water.

NASA | JPL | University of Arizona

In September 2015 high-definition images of
Mars showed indirect evidence that liquid water
exists on Mars. Scientists say these dark, narrow
downhill streaks are evidence of flowing water.